MXPA97009842A - Article to reduce smoke emissions of side current of a cigarri - Google Patents

Abstract

An article for smokers, to reduce the amount of smoke emitted by the late burning tip of a cigarette. The article consists of a rigid shirt that can be slid along a lit cigarette, and placed momentarily on the late burning tip thereof, and then removed to make it possible for the smoker to take a puff from the opposite end of the cigarette. a conventional way The jacket conveniently comprises a fastening and support portion that engages with the fingers (30), optionally providing ventilation of the cigarette body, and a portion of sawing wood (31) designed to move in a controllable manner over the tip that it burns latent

Description

ARTICLE TO REDUCE SMOKE EMISSIONS OF SIDE CURRENT OF A CIGARETTE This invention relates to an article for smokers to reduce the amount of smoke emitted by a cigarette, in particular to reduce the amount of so-called "sidestream smoke". This last smoke is the smoke emitted by the burning tip of the cigarette. It is particularly visible between two inhalations of the smoker, for example, when the cigarette remains in an ashtray. Different systems have already been presented for this purpose. They are often complicated, problematic, and not very effective. For the knowledge of the applicant, an article of this type has not been traded. Recently (International Publication Number WO95 / 10220), articles were placed that are capable of retaining in a chamber ("envelope") the smoke emitted by the tip of the cigarette, which is then filtered before reaching the outside. The air supply is provided in a passive manner, and the chamber can be a cardboard box that can be manipulated with one hand, and also serves as an ashtray. These items are effective, and constitute significant progress. However, - they remain relatively problematic, and have psychological disadvantages for the smoker, for example, the lack of partial visibility of the cigarette. In accordance with GB 2,157,541, it has also been established that it is possible to reduce the sidestream smoke produced during the latent burning of a cigarette, by adjusting a simple sleeve surrounding it, a jacket or ring that can slide by friction, and whose position can be regulated at any time by the smoker. The sleeve is in the form of a tube segment, preferably rigid, of an internal diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a cigarette. This shirt is metal, plastic, or is in the form of a thin layer of rolled inorganic paper. When the tip of the shirt covers the tip that is burning latently, or the boundary between the latter and unburned paper, the relatively rapid latent burning of the cigarette is greatly reduced, and the visible smoke emitted from it almost disappears. The lateral supply of oxygen is actually cut off. The cigarette only goes off after a lapse of time of the order of 1 to 2 minutes. This system comprises certain drawbacks, for example, the difficulty of use that has become instinctive, the traces of condensation that appear on the external and internal walls, the contamination, and an alteration of the flavor due to the material used. For the knowledge of the applicant, an article of this type has not yet been traded. This invention consists in the provision of considerable improvements of this type of article, by facilitating its handling by the smoker who uses it, and by facilitating a daily and hygienic use. According to one aspect of the invention, there is actually an article comprising at least one part that covers or encloses the tip that is burning latently of the cigarette (the distal part), and a different holding part that serves for the handling (the proximal part). In accordance with the invention, the part that covers or encloses the latently burning tip of the cigarette, is made of a material used for traditional tube containers, more especially saws wood or eepiolite. The above-mentioned parts are preferably in the form of different longitudinal segments made to form a part by friction, screwing, or adhesion. However, these latter materials are not very dimensionally stable, and are relatively expensive. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the article accordingly comprises a fastening part in a more stable and more economical material, for example another wood or a plastic. This aspect of the invention makes industrial manufacturing possible. The shirt according to the invention, operates as a controlled effect extinguisher. You can push forward from the tip that is burning latently, and you can return to a closer position, usually with the fingers of the free hand of the smoker. Also, conveniently the handling can be done with the fingers of the hand that holds the cigarette, for example, with the thumb to push the cigarette, on the one hand, and the thumb and the ring finger to remove the cigarette. In order to slide a very light shirt, you can only use the index. The movement of the shirt along the cigarette can also be effected by holding the cigarette between the lips, stopping the index finger and the middle finger the article as it would stop a cigarette conventionally, and sliding it. When the smoker wishes to inhale smoke, move the shirt as mentioned above, releasing the tip that is burning latently. Then the inhalation can take place normally. After inhalation, the shirt is returned, and the process is repeated conveniently for each inhalation. The unburned part of the cigarette paper in this way returns inside the shirt between each inhalation. Other smoking techniques can be adopted with this article. In this way, the cigarette can move forward in the shirt by a distance that depends on the way the smoker inhales, so that the burned part of the cigarette essentially corresponds to the emerging part of the extremity. In accordance with other variants, it is possible to inhale with the tip lit on the shirt. The user can easily acquire some dexterity to move the shirt along the cigarette, and in this way control the secondary emission of smoke. If accidental extinctions initially occur, this skill quickly becomes effective and natural, and even instinctive. The duration of latent burning of the cigarette usually increases. In normal use, and depending on the length of the shirt, the presence of the latter nevertheless prevents the cigarettes from being smoked directly to the tip of the filter, which is an advantage, since it is recognized that this last part is the more harmful (tar, nicotine, heat). If the user so wishes, the shirt can be retracted at any time, and the rest of the cigarette is smoked as usual. In economic terms, the invention can also provide numerous advantages, due to slower latent burning. Furthermore, the article makes possible the extinction and re-ignition of a cigarette as desired, without requiring an ashtray, and without a substantial alteration of the taste, an unsightly exit from the end of the cigarette, or even more, emission of smoke when extinguishes Regardless of the beneficial effect on the emission of smoke, slowing the latent burning can be desired in environments where this is too fast, for example in the open air and when there is wind. In a convenient manner, since the wall of the jacket near the distal part is relatively thick (of more than 2 millimeters), the article according to the invention can be placed horizontally on a table with the lit cigarette inserted therein. The distance between the support surface and the tip that is burning prevents the burning of the aforementioned surface, and if the cigarette is forgotten, it will automatically turn off. According to the invention, the shirt is a short jacket of a non-flammable material at the temperature of the tip that is burning latently of the cigarette. The jacket comprises at least two functionally different parts, i.e. a proximal clamping portion, and a distal portion that forms a controlled ventilation combustion chamber. Preferably, the article according to the invention will be made of wood, more preferably of a wood that can be used to make traditional pipes, in particular tube containers. This could be, for example, saw wood or boxwood. These woods constitute a particularly convenient material, among others, because the flavor of the inhaled smoke is not altered or hardly altered. The shirt can be formed around. For the products according to the invention, only a limited number of times, for example so-called "disposable" products, are to be used, and the more readily available woods (for example, so-called food woods such as beech) can be used. ), or known economic materials to make the tubes (corn cob). Heat stability is important, in particular for the upper part of the range of products, in order to make possible a constant friction between the cigarette and the article according to the invention. If the diameter of the shirt is increased in a very significant way under the effect of heat, it runs the risk of slipping and falling from the body of the cigarette. According to one embodiment of the invention, the jacket is made of two separable parts. The two parts can be made of different materials, for example, in different types of wood.

In this way, two parts capable of separating in a reversible manner can be provided, for example, by simply forming a piece by friction, and then the article can be modified. The proximal holding part can then be designed as a more worked and decorative element, and the distal part that is frictionally adapted would be in wood, and according to a variant, it would be replaceable, such as a cartridge after having smoked a certain number. of cigarettes. As reported, therefore, these two parts may consist of different materials, for example, sawing wood for the distal part, and plastic for the proximal part. The length of the sleeve preferably is such that the two fingers that hold the cigarette should be able to easily hold the sleeve on its proximal part, only the distal part being intended to receive or be near the tip that is burning latently, and in general considerably hotter. The pro-mon part conveniently comprises at least one recess or an annular groove intended to receive the fingers of the user holding the liner with the cigarette inserted in the nisrr.a. The total length will typically be between 2 and 5 centimeters, preferably from 2.8 to 4.0 centimeters. It has been proven that a length of 3.2 centimeters is satisfactory for a large number of different models. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the configuration of the proximal part of the jacket can be conveniently adapted in a manner that leaves a ventilation below this part. In this way openings or slots can be provided which make it possible for the cigarette paper to be directly in contact with the outside. This feature allows undesirable condensation inside the sleeve to be avoided. The percentage of the ventilation surface can exceed 40 percent. This internal face of this proximal part can also have longitudinal grooves that only rest by friction on the body of the cigarette, and in this way, make the ventilation of the paper much easier. The distal part of the article may comprise longitudinal or transverse fins that dissipate the heat transmitted by the tip that is burning latently.

This makes possible involuntary burns by the contact of a finger on this part that should be avoided, that depending on the material used, can actually be very hot. According to a less preferred embodiment of the invention herein, the distal and proximal portions, however, form a single body in wood, comprising several integrated segments (clamping segment-combustion chamber segment). According to a variant, the end of the distal part, however, comprises an external annular seat (face) where a ring of a more suitable material and more resistant to heat is attached, by friction, in particular in saw, sepiolite, or terracotta. The ring wall conveniently has a thickness greater than 1 millimeter (usually from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm). The ring can easily be replaced or simply removed and put back into place in the annular seat, thus offering a new area of annular fire. In all cases, a plug that fits into the distal opening of the sleeve when it is not used may conveniently be provided. This feature makes it possible, on the one hand, for the user to be protected from the burned part, and therefore, to get dirty with the object, for example, when it is stored in the bag, or on the other hand, from the internal wall of the bag. distal part to be cleaned, which may include a tar deposit. In accordance with an additional feature, the plug is a cleaning plug having an abrasive wall capable of removing all deposits from the inner wall of the tube at its distal extremity. The cap can conveniently be adapted to also cover a part of the outer wall of the distal part of the sleeve. In accordance with another variant, the plug is screwed onto a thread present on the external surface of the distal part of the sleeve, the thread of the screw serving as cooling "wings", as mentioned above. An independent abrasive element can also be provided in the form of a tube or a rod, the external surface of which is abrasive, the tube being slightly conical and suitable for insertion by means of the distal part of the sleeve. According to a variant, the jacket according to the invention is in a container, for example, in the form of a housing, preferably rigid. This housing comprises the two complementary parts, which form a part, or can be adapted by friction. A cap-forming element, an abrasive tube, or an abrasive rod may be connected to the housing, which thus constitutes a case. This case may comprise several shirts or parts of shirts in accordance with the invention. In general, the user could have several articles in accordance with the invention, in order to be able to smoke in different circumstances and with slightly different flavors, and in this way increase the playful aspect of the invention. Therefore, a shirt can be left to cool or "rest", by using another model. The method will be closer to that of pipe smokers. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a guard can be provided at the end of the sleeve, or preferably at the end of the aforementioned proximal portion of the sleeve, in the form of an annular flange extending more or less perpendicular to the axis of the shirt, and surrounding it. This element, being an obstacle, makes it possible that the residual smoke that is produced, contaminates less the fingers of the smoker. An ergonomic shape can be conveniently adapted to be held between the fingers of the user by the configuration in combination, or not with the aforementioned flange, so that the fingers in this manner fit into a well-formed annular groove. Finally, the proximal end of the article may have an opening of beveled edges, or a funnel-shaped opening, in order to facilitate the insertion of the cigarette in the shirt, generally before lighting the cigarette. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention herein, the article presented consists of three segments: a proximal part intended to be held by the user's fingers, which can be detachable. The wall preferably is drilled extensively. When the impermeable intermediate part described below is integrated, in the proximal part, its diameter preferably is very slightly larger than the diameter of a cigarette, thus making it possible for the underlying cigarette paper to breathe. This part of preference is light, non-flammable, very well ventilated, and stable. A shorter annular impermeable part, of a diameter such that the friction of the cigarette is greater there than in the distal part, and possibly in the proximal part. This impermeable part corresponds, for example, to a segment of 0.2 to 0.5 centimeters. The impermeable part prevents the passage of air and / or smoke along the external wall of the cigarette, between the proximal part and the distal part. This feature prevents, among other things, all the spotting of the proximal part, for example, by the condensation of smoke, as well as all the emission of smoke coming from an air supply coming from the proximal part, along the Cigarette paper A combustion chamber forming part, intended to receive or remain close to the tip that is burning latently of the cigarette, the corresponding diameter being slightly larger, and preferably, making it possible for the paper not to be in contact with the wall. internal of this distal part. The invention will be better understood by examining the accompanying drawings provided by way of example only. Figure 1 is a representation of a simple sleeve 1 in accordance with previous experience. Figure 2 is a representation of a shirt in accordance with previous experience, with a side for the mouth of the proximal part 2 pierced with circular holes 3. Figure 3 is a representation of a shirt having a beveled edge 4, and an internal grooving 5 that promotes ventilation of the paper, extending the groove only on the proximal part A of the shirt. This embodiment may also comprise openings according to Figure 2. Figure 4 represents a jacket according to the invention, with a fastening part comprising end flanges 6, which promote the clamping or the handling of the sleeve between the clamps. User's fingers. The distal part is on the left. Figure 5 represents an article according to Figure 4, with which a cigarette 7 is associated in a waiting position, in other words, without inhalation. The incandescent ashes 8 do not smoke, or hardly smoke, when they are inside the distal part of the shirt. The tip of this part is near unburned paper. Figure 6 is a perspective figure of the article according to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 7 and 8 represent longitudinal views of the articles according to the invention, wherein the holes of the proximal part have elongated and transverse shapes. In 10, a slightly funnel shaped orifice is distinguished, which facilitates the insertion of the cigarette, and leads to an internal channel of 8 millimeters in diameter, represented by dotted lines, which depends on the diameter of the cigarettes used, and the standardized diameter of some kind is worth in the market. In 11, the transversely elongated ventilation openings are distinguished, the flanges 12 and 13 facilitating clamping between the fingers, the fins 14 promoting cooling, and reducing the temperature of the object, and thus making it possible to eliminate all burns accidental The distal part of the article illustrated in the Figure 8, comprises a seat in which a ring can be joined by friction, whose ring will be made of a material more resistant to heat than the main body of the object. Also illustrated is a friction-adaptive plug, and comprising a conical portion 16, an abrasive cylindrical portion 17 that makes it possible to eliminate deposits that would prevent proper slippage of the cigarette, or readjust the diameter of the fire place, if it makes a material capable of "moving" (for example saw-wood, in particular "that runs inwards"). The head of the plug 18 may comprise a peripheral part turned downward (not shown) that extends partially on the external surface of the jacket. Figures 9a and 9b illustrate an example of a cigarette holder, to which an article in accordance with the aspect of the invention has been adapted. The shirt 20 is distinguished, which slides along the cigarette 25, forming a part with the side rods 21 (here there are two rods, of which only one is represented in Figure 9b), which slide to an element the cigarette holder equipped with channels or sliding grooves 22, a control element 23 forming a part with the rods, and making it possible for the sleeve to slide along the cigarette with the help of a finger, this control element being a button which slides itself over the upper part of the body of the cigarette holder. Figure 10 illustrates an article in accordance with the presently preferred invention. There the proximal part 30, the distal part 31, and the intermediate intermediate part 32 of an internal diameter slightly smaller than 0.04 to 0.08 millimeters) are distinguished than the internal diameters of the distal part, and possibly, of the proximal part, when this The last one is integrated in the waterproof / choke part. The intermediate part forms a piece with, and is integral with, the distal portion, which is made of a material 37 that can be saw-wood. The length of the intermediate part can vary, for example, from 2 to 5 millimeters. The holes 33 of 3 millimeters in diameter, which can be as many as 32, run through the proximal part, made of a material 34 such as boxwood or a plastic, in order to ventilate more the underlying paper. There are also two tabs 35 integrated in the proximal part and in the cooling fins (36 in section). Figure 11 illustrates the same article, at a true scale this time (3 centimeters in length), separated into these two components that normally form a piece by friction or adhesion. The cavity 39 is distinguished, where the intermediate part 32 of a diameter of 8.0 mm is housed, extended by the distal part. The distal part is equipped with transverse fins, with an external diameter of 14 millimeters, and an internal diameter of 8.07 millimeters. Figure 12 illustrates another form of the embodiment, wherein the distal portion 41 becomes completely lodged, for example, by friction, in the proximal portion 42 extending towards its extremity, in a sufficiently perforated support structure 43. In this mode, the drowning part 42 is integrated in the proximal part.

It will be understood that, for the article according to the invention, and its use, there are numerous variants of constructions and details that are incorporated in the scope of protection sought by this patent application. The invention relates to all new inventive aspects, taken separately or in any combination, and disclosed in this description. Accordingly, the invention presents a simple, economical, compact, and hygienic article for smokers, which limits very considerably the emission of sidestream smoke, making possible an easy re-ignition of a cigarette, which has a playful aspect, with numerous modes of use, and combining the qualities of taste with safety and ease of use.

Claims (22)

1. An article for reducing the amount of smoke emanating from the late burning tip of a cigarette, which consists of an elongated ring whose circular orifice makes it possible for the aforementioned ring to slide with friction along the aforementioned cigarette, under the influence of the fingers of the user, characterized in that the ring comprises at least a proximal part which is oriented on the side for inhaling the cigarette, made of a dimensionally stable material, and a distal part designed to receive or remain close to the tip that it burns latently of the cigarette, made of a different material, this material being wood, sepiolite, or terre cotta. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal part is made of wood or sepiolite, and / or the proximal part is made of plastic. 3. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the distal part is made of saw wood, boxwood, beech, or corn cob. 4. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wood is saw-wood. 5. An article according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the proximal part and the distal part are made of different woods. 6. An article according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wood of the distal part is saw-wood, and the wood of the proximal part is boxwood. 7. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the proximal part has a suitable configuration to facilitate holding by the fingers of the user. 8. An article according to claim 2, characterized in that the proximal part or the segment comprises an annular groove. 9. An article according to claim i, 2, or 3, characterized in that the proximal segment comprises an annular flange on at least one of these extremities. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall of the distal part has cooling elements, for example, in the form of a screw thread, or transverse or longitudinal fins. 11. A ring or article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length is between 2.2 4.2 centimeters, typically 3.2 centimeters. 1

2. A ring or article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximal segment comprises holes of different shapes that run along the wall, and make possible the ventilation of the body of the cigarette under this segment. A ring according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the perforated surface of the proximal segment is greater than 20 percent, preferably greater than 30 percent. 14. A ring or article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximal part comprises, on its internal face, essentially longitudinal grooves that make possible ventilation and friction stabilization of the body of the cigarette. A ring according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximal part extends and supports the distal part by friction, and is at least a partial covering, preferably on one side. 16. A liner according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is associated with a plug to fit the distal end, preferably comprising the aforementioned plug, a central part that is frictionally adapted to the interior of the liner. 17. A housing comprising one or more articles according to any of the preceding claims, associated with an abrasive element and / or a stopper for the distal portion. 18. A housing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the abrasive element is a slightly conical elongate element. 19. The use of a jacket according to any of the preceding claims, to reduce the amount of sidestream smoke produced at the time a cigarette is burning latently. 20. The use of a jacket according to any of the preceding claims, to increase the latent burning time of a cigarette. 21. An article to reduce the amount of smoke that emanates from the late burning tip of a cigarette, and which consists of a cylindrical jacket capable of sliding with friction around a cigarette, becoming the aforementioned shirt of a material that resists the heat of the latently burning tip of a cigarette, characterized in that the sleeve comprises at least one proximal segment which is oriented on the side for inhaling the cigarette, and intended to hold, and which comprises an annular groove, and a distal segment intended to receive the late burning tip of the cigarette. 22. An article for reducing the amount of smoke emanating from the late burning tip of a cigarette, which consists of an elongated ring whose circular orifice makes it possible for the aforementioned ring to slide with friction along the length of the cigarette previously mentioned, under the influence of the user's fingers, characterized in that the ring comprises at least one proximal segment which is oriented on the side for inhaling the cigarette, which has a suitable configuration to facilitate holding by the user's fingers, and a segment distal intended to receive or remain near the late burning point of the cigarette.